Have you thought about what 2012 will look like for
you?Do you have a plan to take your
worklife to the next level?Or are you
going to continue to sit back and see what comes your way?

It is so easy to keep doing what you have been doing and
expect to get different results.But it
doesn’t work that way.Gone are the days
when you can simply keep your head down, do a good job and get the recognition
you desire.Make 2012 the year you step
up and take charge of your own career.If you don’t do it, no one else will.

Take a look at where you currently are.Do you like what you are doing?Do you feel like you are making a major
contribution?If so, great!You are on the right path.If not, ask yourself—What do I want to be
doing?What will make me feel
valued?What steps do I need to take to
get there?

The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. I am sure you have heard of getting yourself a
mentor but have you done it?I suggest
not limiting yourself to just one mentor.Get yourself a Personal Board of
Directors, a group of people that will support you in your quest.Decide what areas you are lacking in and what
you want to focus on.Then look around
and see who is successful in those areas and do something bold.Ask them to be your mentor.That’s right.Just ask.You will be amazed how
many people are willing to support you if you just ask.

Do you need certain skills to land that ideal job you
want?Then figure out a way to get those
skills.Take a class, volunteer for a project
that will help develop those skills, read a book.Find someone who has that ideal job and ask
them to advise you on what steps they took to get to where they are.Then take action.

Having a plan is essential but taking action is what creates
results.No more excuses.Remember all you have to do is take baby
steps.What can you do right now that
will get you one step closer to your goal?Don’t get overwhelmed, break it down and take one step at a time.

As suggested in a blog post by Jo Saunders, get yourself
an accountability partner.Whether that
be a friend, co-worker or coach, find someone to partner with and hold each
other accountable.You will be amazed at
what you can accomplish when you take control and focus.

What steps can you take today to get yourself on the path of
having the career you desire? Let me know by commenting on this post. Let 2012
be the year YOU take charge of your own destiny.